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We have one short, sweet, easy-to-remember motto: layering is life. As temperatures change, layers can help your outfit go from winter to spring with just a few pieces.
Layers don’t have to just be boring transitional pieces, either — we also love to throw bold pops of color into the mix. Neutral closet staples are always good to have on hand too. They help extend the seasonality of your fave wardrobe items without too much thought. Because honestly, who has time to spend 30 minutes in front of their closet every morning figuring out what to wear? No one, that’s who. So take a look at our guide for the layering staples you need in your close this Spring.
Mock Necks
Want to wear your fave silk camisole or strappy summer dress? Reach for a mock neck to wear underneath when temperatures dip.
Elbow Sleeve Mock Neck
This version of a mock neck is a steal at under $12. Stock up on multiple colors and mix and match to your heart’s content.
Skims Essential Mock Neck Bodysuit
Say what you will about Kim Kardashian but, the truth is, she knows what women want. The mock neck bodysuit comes in gorgeous, muted colors with limited edition colors popping up — and selling out — frequently, so check back often.
Anthropologie Mock Neck Top
The slightly longer length of this mock neck top allows you to layer it under clothes or wear on its own. Available in both plus and petite sizes.
SHOP AT ANTHROPOLOGIE – $48.00
Long Sleeve Mock Neck
If you’re wearing a particularly flowy top, the last thing you want in your base layer is a bulky seam poking through the fabric. This seamless mock neck will keep a smooth line under your silky tops. Outfit saved.
Draped Mock Neck Open Back Bodysuit
Sexy and fitted, you can wear this open-back bodysuit with a cardigan or blazer, then slip the outer layer off when temperatures rise.
Tights
A wardrobe of tights can see you through nippy temperatures. You can wear them with your favorite summer dress and a pair of boots, those shorts you love but can’t bear putting away until next summer, or under your favorite pants (or jeans), keeping you nice and toasty.
Plain Sheer Tights
Black, sheer with just a skosh of shimmer, and under $12. Having these tights in your arsenal will make for an all-season wardrobe.
Micro Heart Tights
When you don’t want to go totally neutral, but you don’t want a ‘look at me’ outfit, these tights would look great with vegan leather shorts and a fuzzy cardigan.
SHOP AT ANTHROPOLOGIE – $28.00
Gipsy French Back Seam Tights
It’s hard to find a sexy wardrobe item you can wear every day. I’d wear these tights with a pencil skirt, t-shirt, ankle socks and my favorite sneaks. I’d also wear them with my sexiest dress and slinky heels. And, also, a mini dress and knee boots.
Dotted Tights
These tights would look cute under a pair of ripped jeans — the lighter the wash, the better.
Natori 2-Pack Sheer Control Tights
Natori’s tights are known for their gossamer thin, yet sturdy fabric. Buy extras so you have ‘em handy — these are so beloved, they often sell out.
SHOP AT BERGDORF GOODMAN – $54.00
Wolford Stardust Tights
There’s a reason Wolford is considered the gold standard in tights — they’re durable, feel like butter, and fit like a dream. Wear these shimmery tights to add a little oomph to any outfit.
SHOP AT BERGDORF GOODMAN – $55.00
Classic Cardigan
When it comes to layering, don’t overlook cardigans. It can seem daunting to try to find the right cardi to keep you warm, but once you narrow down length and fabric, the sky’s the limit. Cable knits play nicely with casual attire, while sleeker versions look well with silk or satin fabrics.
H&M Cable Knit Cardigan
Nab a cable knit cardigan to add a little bit of classic coziness to your cold arms. The sleeves are the star of this outfit, with the texture adding a bit of visual interest to the overall look.
Universal Thread Open-Front Cardigan
I think of these as school librarian sweaters (and I mean that as a compliment). Leave one at work, and you’ll never be at the mercy of overzealous air conditioners again.
Mango Textured Knit Cardigan
Stylish enough to wear on its own as a top, but warm enough to keep you toasty, this v-neck cardigan comes in a handful of fun colors.
Free People Kam Lounge Cardigan
The length on this cardigan is a dream — it’s long enough to cover any waistband, yet, not so long as to add any bulk to your outfit. This would be perfect to take with you on vacation, no matter the weather at your destination.
Mango Fine-Knit Cardigan
It’s worth repeating — basics don’t have to be boring. Hook fastenings bisect the front portion of this top, as well as along the cuffs of this cardigan. The lapel collar keeps everything put together and polished.
Revolve 525 Rib Cardigan
Available in chocolate brown or delicate pink, this is the kind of cardigan that will complement almost everything in your wardrobe, from shorts to sleeveless dresses.
Basic Tee
I love basic tees. You can dress ‘em up or down and, depending on the neckline, they can go with just about everything in your closet. Choose a tee that will hold up to multiple washes, as you’ll end up wearing it more often than you think. Go a little cray-cray with colors, too. A hint of fuchsia from a tee under a jumpsuit can give your outfit that little bit of fun that takes it to the next level.
Madewell Northside Vintage Tee
Available in a bajillion colors — some of which are on sale for as low as $8.99 — the Madewell tee can be worn in almost as many ways. I’d wear this to work with a pair of slim cut pants, a gold watch, and a signet ring.
Skims Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt Bodysuit
Meant to be worn as a base layer, this t-shirt bodysuit is made to sit (or skim) close to the body. Size up if you’d like to wear it looser on its own.
Everlane Pima Micro-Rib Scoop Neck Tee
The Everlane brand knows how to do basics extremely well. With lush fabrics and thoughtful design, each piece in their collection is there for a reason: to make you look and feel good. This micro-rib scoop neck tee is professional enough to wear to work and would look fantastic on those with fuller bra cups.
Madewell Softfade Cotton Oversized Pocket Tee
Slouchy and oversized, this pocket tee would look great under a denim jumpsuit.
V-Neck T-Shirt
At under $10, the price is right for these cotton v-neck t-shirts. The fact that the shirts are available in plus sizes, as well as over a dozen colors, make it a bargain to boot.
Everlane Stretch-Rib Scoop-Neck Tee
The keyhole detail of this stretch-rib tee adds just a tiny bit of va-va-voom to an otherwise basic black ensemble.
Blazer
Don’t save a blazer for work. The right blazer can make a casual outfit look more put-together or make a dressy outfit more day-friendly. Choose between one that’s cut close to the body and ends just below your waist or one that’s slightly longer in the torso, otherwise known as a boyfriend blazer.
Madewell Caldwell Double-Breasted Blazer
This double-breasted blazer would look great with a long sleeve tee, a pair of black leggings, and a pair of sneakers.
The Frankie Shop: Brown Bea Boxy Blazer
An oversized blazer like this one by The Frankie Shop would look great with slouchy pants. If you’re worried about the blazer adding bulk to your look, be sure to cinch your waist with a belt or tuck in your top.
WHBM Signature Blazer
Wear the WHBM blazer with dark denim or with your favorite joggers. I’d also add some sparkly earrings to the mix.
SHOP AT WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET – $180.00
WeWoreWhat Vegan Leather Blazer
A cream leather blazer says ‘rich bitch’ and this one by WeWoreWhat is no exception.
Mango Oversized Blazer
Wear a black blazer like this one by Mango any time you want to level up your ‘fit. Keep one in your office and you’ll be ready for a meeting at a moment’s notice.
Sweater Vest
The sweater vest trend is going through a bit of renaissance lately, and it’s easy to see why. The vests look great with either pants or skirts, and you can wear ‘em with almost any top.
H&M Rib-Knit Sweater Vest
The muted colors of this H&M sweater vest will complement everything in your wardrobe.
WhoWhatWear Cable Crewneck Popover Sweater Vest
The longer armholes of this sweater vest give you options. You can wear it without anything underneath, like shown on the model, or you can add a light layer underneath for extra warmth.
ASOS Knit Sweater Vest
A longer vest looks great with leggings or flare pants. This version by ASOS is in the deepest, velvety shade of espresso.
COS Checkered Wool Vest
I’d wear this navy sweater vest with lots of shimmery gold jewelry and a toffee-colored leather handbag.
Madewell Firgrove Ribbed Crewneck Sweater Vest
The chunky knit of this sweater vest would pair beautifully with leather pants.
Los Angeles Apparel Cashmere Knit V-Neck Vest
Cashmere is a wonder fabric. With the right pairing, you can wear it almost all year round. That’s the case with this v-neck vest — wear in the winter with a long sleeve tee underneath, or in the late spring with a short sleeve shirt.
SHOP AT LOS ANGELES APPAREL – $170.00
Basic Button Down
A button down top can be tricky for those of us with larger breasts. If that’s a concern, choose one with darts, as they provide shape for your tatas.
Gap 100% Organic Cotton Big Shirt
The Gap shirt is made of organic cotton and comes in assorted colors and prints. This would look good peeking from under a sweater vest.
Banana Republic Oversized Poplin Shirt
The side slits on the Banana Republic shirt allow you to move freely without worrying about the top pulling or tugging.
SHOP AT BANANA REPUBLIC – $89.50
Vitamin A Playa Shirt
Sure, this oversized shirt is meant to be worn as a beach cover up, but who says you have to follow the rules? Wear with anything from leather, to suede, to silk — the texture of the fabric will add a cool visual element to your ‘fit.
Crew Slim-Fit Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt
From the company that knows a thing or two about elevated neutrals, the Irish linen shirt is here to make you look super polished.
Banana Republic Oversized Button-Down Shirt
Stripes make it nice — at least with this button-down from Banana Republic. Wear with anything from denim to leggings.
SHOP AT BANANA REPUBLIC – $64.99
A New Day Women’s Long Sleeve Satin Shirt
Add an element of shine to your look with this version of a classic button down. Just because it’s satin doesn’t mean you need to save it for a special occasion. Wear with leather joggers or your favorite dark denim.
Black Leggings
I’ll admit, I’m late to the leggings party. But now that I’m here, I’m NEVER leaving. A legging wardrobe is the way to go. You’ll need a pair to wear casually, a pair to wear for exercise, and a pair you can dress up or wear to work.
Alo Yoga ⅞ High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Not everyone wants a full length legging. This version by Alo Yoga can be worn under a maxi skirt without showing through.
Aerie Offline Real Me High-Waisted Legging
Pair a button-down shirt with this high-waisted legging for an instant running-around-town look. Add a blazer and a baseball hat for maximum style points.
NBD Imari Pant
The angled waistband of the Imari pants is meant to be seen. Wear with a bodysuit to keep it on display.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant w/ Pockets
Pockets. And not just any pockets. Pockets that are deep enough for your phone and your keys. That deep.
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
I have these best selling leggings and, let me tell you, they are worth the hype. Seriously, I’ve worn these with ankle boots, combat boots, sneakers, and ballet flats. They take up almost no space in my suitcase and go with everything.
Alo Yoga High-Waisted Flutter Legging
A split-leg pant can be the cherry on top of a confection of an outfit. Wear with a cozy sweater and your stompiest pair of boots.
Neutral Sweater
A sweater that goes with everything is an absolute essential. Once you find a neckline that works for you, stick with that silhouette and you’ll never have to worry about cool weather dressing again.
& Other Stories Oversized Knit Sweater
Chunky sweaters, like this one from & Other Stories, are the superhero pieces of your wardrobe. Pair with slouchy jeans for a running-around-town day or wear with slim pants and a pair of flats.
WHBM Long Sleeve Chunky V-Neck Sweater
The knit weave of this chunky sweater is already special — but add a v-neck and you have a dressier version of an everyday classic.
SHOP AT WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET – $89.00
Gap Textured Crewneck Sweater
The right kind of textured sweater can take the place of your favorite sweatshirt, and this one by Gap is a great option. It’s available in both neutral solids and muted ombre.
Madewell Belfiore Ribbed Pullover Sweater
The knit on the Madewell sweater makes it a statement piece. Also available in plus sizes.
COS Relaxed-Fit Ribbed Sweater
A minimalist’s dream, the COS ribbed sweater offers elongating ribbed lines that won’t interfere with the rest of your ‘fit.
Banana Republic Seamless Merino V-Neck Sweater
When you find a good seamless sweater like this one from Banana Republic, grab it. The v-neck will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe, while the merino wool is (thankfully) machine washable.
SHOP AT BANANA REPUBLIC – $62.99-$80.00
Denim Jacket
Choose a denim jacket you can wear with shorts or with a cocktail dress. If you’re concerned about the stiffness or rigidity of the fabric adding bulk to your look, consider a denim jacket without chest pockets.
Levis Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket
To say that Levis knows denim is like saying McDonald’s knows french fries. Which is to say that the design of this relaxed fit trucker jacket is made based on over a hundred years of working with the fabric, so it has thoughtful touches throughout. Choose between four colors.
Magali Pascal Jagger Puff Sleeve Cropped Denim Jacket
You might think this denim jacket by Magali Pascal is super trendy — but you’d be wrong. Sure, the jacket is very much of the moment, but when you look closer, you’ll see how the jacket is constructed like your favorite top: close to the body, slightly cropped, and with lots of seams for ease of movement.
SHOP ON INTERMIX ONLINE – $395.00
H&M Light Denim Jacket
Pair a light denim jacket, like this one from H&M, with your favorite light-colored ‘fits. Try with a white tee shirt and gray joggers.
Gap Classic Icon Denim Jacket
Take a white denim jacket with you on your next beach vacation. The light color will take your sundresses to the next level, and you’ll be happy for an extra layer as you’re walking through nippy hotel hallways.
Free People Rumors Denim Jacket
Cut close to the body and slightly cropped, this is the denim jacket to wear with your slinkiest dress.
Universal Thread Denim Jacket
Okay, hear me out: buy this denim jacket in two sizes. One size to wear as a regular jacket, and another in a smaller size for a fitted look. You can wear the jacket as a heavier shirt and you’ll look like you’re ready for anything. Add a slim tee shirt underneath, if you’d like a little pop of color.
Which are your favorite pieces to layer? Are there any other spring fashion trends we should showcase? Let us know in the comments below!
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